Your High-Risk Pregnancy: A Practical and Supportive Guide

This useful book gives sound, straightforward advice about prenatal care, analyzing and diagnosing high-risk factors, and describing the tests, medications, and procedures necessary for a healthy pregnancy. The authors offer specific ways to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions and medical issues that arise during this process. Beginning with a general guide to successful conception, the book explains the risks and addresses the most pressing concerns. Throughout the text, the authors check in with the men and women involved, showing them how to explore their feelings about the pregnancy, their emotions toward the baby, and how to build a solid support system. Each chapter contains journaling exercises, which are extremely important given the amount of bed-rest required in difficult pregnancies. Here too are informed discussions of natural birth versus C-section, the use of antibiotics and painkillers, and how to cope with miscarriages and premies. Your High-Risk Pregnancy is a complete, caring companion during pregnancy and beyond.

The expertise you need and the support you want – before, during and after a challenging pregnancy

More pregnancies are considered high-risk than ever before. As many as 30 percent fall into this category due to complicating factors that include
difficulty conceiving
pregnancy after age 35
multiple pregnancies
hypertension or diabetes

Despite the number of mothers who experience such issues, a complex pregnancy can also be profoundly lonely.

You are not alone.
For this twentieth-anniversary revision and update of her pioneering work, Getting Pregnant, Staying Pregnant, Diana Raab partnered with a physician who has devoted his career to high-risk pregnancy care. Together, they provide the straightforward knowledge that will build confidence, minimize stress, and maximize good decision-making. The authors begin at the beginning, with conception (including conception via ART and IVF), then move through the course of a pregnancy, explaining various risk factors, describing month-by-month testing and procedures, demystifying labor and delivery and thoroughly addressing postpartum issues. Numerous real-world mothers and partners share their experiences throughout the book, and readers learn to
obtain top-notch care and choose appropriate specialists
understand test results
consider birth methods and medication options
build a solid support system
soothe emotions through journaling, communication and self-care
cope with pregnancy loss and preemies

Also included are insightful discussions about bed rest, same-sex couples, single parenting, sex while expecting, exercise, nutrition, and alternative or complementary health care. A Glossary and resource listings of online and in-person support options available throughout North America make this book a comprehensive, caring, and wise companion to the challenges – and joys – of your pregnancy.

“High-risk is not synonymous with bad outcome…. But a high-risk designation does mean that you need to be more vigilant…. Knowledge is power.” – Dr. Errol Norwitz, from the book